AN: Sorry this chapter is both short and slow to update. Schools been keeping me busy. I'll try to be on top of the next update. Anyways Thanks once again for all who read this, watch, fav, etc. Now onward to reviewer response.

Thunderstorm101: yeah you were completely right. I went back through after receiving your review. So that chapter should be better. I looked over this one as well before posting. Hopefully it will be nearly error free.

whatevergirl: yeah, this chapter goes over Sephiroth's inner thoughts a bit. Of course, Vincent will recover fast as seen in this chapter.

dragonprotector: Thanks for the support. I hope to continue doing a good job. Vincent likes taking care of things himself.

Chapter 8: Plans and Calls

Sephiroth glanced at the other a bit before moving on to reading a book. He read the book for a while, but only halfheartedly. With a sigh, he closed the book. His green eyes lingered on Vincent's face as his mind stirred in an internal combat. I won't get this opportunity very often. Giving into desire, the general lightly brushed his lips against the pale check kissing the soft skin.

He listened carefully to the man's breathing to make sure he wouldn't be disturbed. He wanted to indulged a bit without scaring the other. His hand traced the exposed throat and trailed down the chest hidden beneath the covers. Tracing the pale chest lightly, he pressed his lips against pale neck taking in the delicate clove smell that was Vincent's. He froze as the Turk shifted a bit. He seemed uncomfortable. It occurred to Sephiroth that he was touching one of the apostasy scars. He moved his hand back to the pale cheek. He had to remember the scars run deep. He pulled away only half contented. The Turk's skin seemed a bit healthier with the short rest.

Vincent really scared him today. He really thought he was going to lose him even though he knew the man was strong. His green eyes studied the other's face closely. He seemed tranquil, almost at peace even though the general knew the man's mind was in turmoil most of the time. His eyes lingered on the gunman's lips. Despite the man being so pale his lips had a hint of rosy color. He could imagine how red it would become after kissing. His fingers traced the other's lips. He leaned forward placing his lips a few centimeters away before he kissed the forehead instead. When he pulled away, he found crimson eyes blinking away the glaze of slumber. He looked startled.

Vincent opened his mouth, but a knock stopped them both. Sephiroth got up to answer the door leaving the other confused. The Turk sat up leaning against the backboard. He honestly didn't know about modern policies on displays of affection. He also wasn't sure how much was a dream and how much was real. By Sephiroth's surprise at him being awake such displays weren't common. Though it is possible for it to be common for modern times and not for the general. He didn't seem to do many things that are considered normal, but that was probably Hojo's influence. Chaos was refusing to comment. Maybe he realize if he did, I would mention Viridis. Now though isn't a good time for such a discussion.

Angeal's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Are you feeling better, Vincent?"

"I'm fine."

Sephiroth sat down in a chair and signaled Angeal to do the same. He asked, "So?"

He looked at the first expectantly. Angeal began hesitantly, "Kraden wouldn't talk at first, but when I threaten him with you, he spilled everything. It appears select few Soldiers and some mercenaries were ordered by President Shinra to attack the base as terrorists. They hoped to anger you with the death of Soldiers that way he could order the take over of Wutai. Apparently he wants Wutai completely under his control."

The Turk's face harden with a slight frown. It explains a lot, yet nothing. But Shinra always had more layers then anyone would understand. He would bet the Seneca Shinra himself didn't realize it. The general's angry voice stated, "He sacrificed my Soldiers for this." His fist slammed down onto the table. "He will pay for this."

Angeal frowned and looked a bit unsure. Vincent simple asked, "Do you plan on rebelling?"

The general's eyes glowed as he confirmed firmly, "Yes."

The First said with confidence, "I'll assist you."

"Then we better come up with a plan," the Turk stated flatly.

Sephiroth smiled at his support. "First thing we need to figure out is who is on our side and who's on Shinra's side."

"Most will go where you go. The Turks I'm unsure of," Angeal commented, "They always seemed close to Shinra..."

"They aren't as close as they appear," the gunman informed them, "with the right incentive they'll join. ...Is there anyone who can lead the Soldiers at headquarters? I don't think they'll listen to Turks."

"Genesis can," the swordsman immediately responded, "There is one issue that needs to be taken care of first. Who will take over Shinra Inc.? I have no desire to."

Angeal suggested, "How about Rufus? He is different from his father, but still is practical and commanding."

"Perfect," he stated.

"I believe," the gunman commented, "that will be a good incentive for the Turks."

"So we will head back and the day we arrive the attack will begin," Sephiroth commanded, "Vincent you talk with Turks and I'll will talk with Genesis."

The pale man nodded as the general wandered out of the room with the First trailing behind him. The Turk took out the phone. It was luckily not damaged from the earlier fighting. He opened it and followed Reno's explanation and got to the phone book. He realize he didn't know who to talk to first. He should call Tseng, but he didn't feel like beginning with him. Rude was probably very silent on phone that unfortunately left Reno. He pressed the green phone button and put the phone to his ear waiting for the redhead to pick up. "Yo, I never thought you were going to call. So what's up?"

"...This is important, Reno. I plan on calling Tseng after this," Vincent explained, "Shinra falsified the attack in Wutai in order to have a reason to conquer it. Sephiroth decided to disthrone Seneca Shinra."

Reno chuckled, "heh, that's good and all, but who'll replace him. I'm sure not gonna follow Seph. No offense to the guy, but it would be too...uh military like and all."

"We were thinking of Rufus."

"Ah, him. Well us Turks like him. So why ya called me before Tseng?"

"I want you to figure out who is on our side within the Turks and higher ups. Also I want you to act as a communicator between the Turks and Soldiers. You're talkative enough that no one would be suspicious of anything."

"And here I thought it would be due to my sneaking ability," Reno faked his pain over dramatically in his voice tone, "I'm hurt."

"..."

"Sooo who's leading the Soldier's operation hmm?"

"Genesis."

"Ah, so his vacation will be cut short, eh? So how things in Wutai?"

"...tell Rude."

Click. Beep. Beep. Beep. "...Vincent, yo Vincent... … … he hanged up on me," he stated to his partner.

"He's the straight to business type," Rude commented.

"Yeah..."

Vincent dialed the next number waiting for an answer. "Hello Vincent," Tseng asked, "I never expected you to call me. Is something wrong?"

"...Wutai terrorist actions were a direct order of Seneca Shinra."

"...I see, so Sephiroth is usurping him?"

"That is correct and he plans to put Rufus in charge," Vincent explained.

"A good choice. I assume I have Angeal to thank for that."

"That's correct. I already informed Reno about the situation. He will be your communication device for the Soldiers who are going to be led by Genesis."

"Sounds like a plan. I will give you some information through Reno later on. Good luck on your side, Valentine."

With that the call ended. It would be a lot harder to pull off then the Wutai mission, but if we have more allies-the easier it will be especially if they are higher ups.

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Sephiroth called Genesis and immediately the familiar voice asked, "For what do I owe the honor of getting a call from the Great Sephiroth?"

He would have been annoyed if Genesis's tone wasn't playful. Sephrioth and Genesis were both friends and rivals, often it was hard to tell which they were at any given moment. It really was confusing at times for the general. "I need you to go back to Shinra headquarters," he explained.

"Funny, I was already told earlier today by Lazard. He said it was direct order from the President. He also told me we are attacking Wutai."

"Then you heard of the terrorist's activities?"

"Obviously," Genesis replied in a way that you could practically see him roll his eyes.

"The President order the terrorist attacks."

He could hear the other take a sharp intake of air before the First murmured, "You can't be serious."

"I'm afraid so."

"So," he asked in haughty tone, "you plan to be the next President now?"

"That position is reserved for Rufus," Sephiroth informed the other, "I want you to figure out which Soldiers and other Shinra workers are on our side. Have them prepare to take over the base in three days. That is when I'll arrive with some forces."

"Hmm... I guess I have no choice. The fall was inedible. I'll leave tonight. I assume the three days begin tomorrow."

"Correct."

"You know I won't be able to contact you further without being suspicious."

"If you need to contact us either call Angeal or better yet talk with the Turks they will get a message to us discreetly to us discreetly."

"Right," Genesis commanded, "Put Angel on."

Sephiroth would normally protest the fact it was a command, but he didn't feel like beginning their typical arguments. He handed the phone over to Angeal who was hovering by him the entire time. The First had always been closer to Genesis, afterall they were childhood friends. A concept he didn't have. Not that it really mattered to him. He didn't bother to linger and headed back to the bedroom where the Turk just finished his call with Tseng. The pale man glanced up at him and stated in his usual business like voice, "The Turks have been informed and will contact us with more information later. Tseng will probably come up with a plan by then. If not a list of who we can trust."

Vincent nodded. He blinked to find Sephiroth next to him either the general moved faster then he thought or he was losing consciousness. Sephiroth put a hand on his forehead. He sighed in relief before looking at the confused crimson eyes. With that he felt a need to explain himself, "I was checking to see if you have a fever. ...You don't, but you should rest."

The gunman faintly nodded as he buried himself under the covers letting his eyes close. Sephiroth lightly played with the ink black hair before leaving. He turned off the lights on the way out of the bedroom. Angeal looked at him and handed over the phone and asked, "Is he alright?"

The general informed, "He's fine. His body is working overtime to heal him, which drained him of his energy... So what are we going to do with Kraden?"

"He's in a prison cell. I'm positive I've gotten as much as he knows from him."

Sephiroth knew this would be a complex issue for Angeal, so he wished to tread carefully. "Do you think he will come to our side?"

"..." Angeal frowned and honestly stated, "I doubt it. He will only work for the President no matter what that means... Also, he has a strange obsession with destroying monsters and is convinced that Vincent is one. He isn't of a solid state of mind."

"Have him executed," the general commanded, "I would do it myself, but it would become a personal vendetta."

"I understand. I assume you're retiring for now." The swordsman nodded. Angeal gives a small smile, "Then I'll take care of things. Goodnight."

The door closed. Sephiroth lost himself in thoughts. Today was troubling. He seen Vincent suffer worse injuries on the tape, yet it didn't feel real until now. Seeing the Turk played off his injuries as minor when he could barely stand and pain laced his expression lightly, it pained him.. That injury would of put a 2nd class Soldier down and out for the job. He felt guilty as well as overwhelming concern. Things were never simple in the first place, but it became a lot more complex now.

He was about to retire when he remembered there was one other person he should call. He pulled out his cellphone and hit the speed dial button. It was reasonable to almost forget since Renault wasn't in Midgar often. It was answered quickly with a slightly panic voice, "Sephiroth are you okay?"

The general rolled his eyes, "Yes I'm fine."

"That's good. I heard from some doctors that the base was under enemy control and that there were many causalities."

"Too many I'm afraid. That is relavent to why I called."

"You would like me to go to Wutai?"

"No, I want you to figure out how many of the staff workers are with Shinra no matter what he does." Sephiroth could hear the unspoken question as he explained, "Wutai terrorists was a set up by President Shinra himself. In three days from now, I will be taking Shinra Tower and giving command to Rufus."

"I see, so I'm to figure out who's on our side and who isn't. You gave me a very hard task, but I'll do my best nephew."

"As you figure things out you can contact Genesis or Reno. They are our allies."

"I figured as much, well see you soon."

"...Yeah."

Renault asked with concern, "Something wrong?"

"..."

"You know keeping your emotions bottled up inside isn't good for you in the long run." The doctor had a feeling he knew what it was that concerned the boy, but he asked anyways, "Is it about Valentine?"

"He's injured and right now he's sleeping it off, but..."

"You're worried."

"Yeah, he keeps on insisting he's fine..."

"But you think otherwise. Well if he says he's fine, I'm inclined to think he probably is."

The general sighed, "Physically I know he is fine, but mentally may be another issue."

"Hmm." The doctor recalled Vincent's reaction to him. He knew terrible things must of happened to him through his brother's hand. He really cared for Hojo, but the man was wrong in many ways. He had no sense of right or wrong. Renault stated, "You know that is something you have to work with carefully, but I would treat him the same as before. He wouldn't appreciate being treated like some kind of fragile doll."

"Thanks, uncle. I appreciate it."

The other chuckled, "Anytime for my nephew."

Sephiroth hanged up and wandered into the bedroom quietly. As he stripped as usual and slipped under the covers. The Turk didn't even twitch. His breathing calm and even. It was nice and disturbing at how heavily the other slept. His lips lightly touch the pale forehead in a soft kiss before going asleep.

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Morning came early for Sephiroth. He glanced at the person beside him. He lightly played with the black hair before getting ready for the day. He assigned a few Soldiers to stay at the base just in case there were more 'terrorists'. The rest were preparing the supplies to leave in the evening. Though at the current pace, they would finished preparations early afternoon. Though his thoughts still lingered on Vincent. He hadn't seem him wandering around yet.

Angeal wandered over to the general. "You should take a break," the First commented, "and eat. You skipped breakfast."

"So I have," the swordsman smiled, "then you can take my place."

Angeal affirmed with a nod as Sephiroth swiftly headed inside the building. He returned to his bedroom to find Vincent was still asleep. He sat down on the edge of the bed leaning over the man. His hand lightly brush aside the black strands of hair away from the man's face. He noticed the long black eyelashes fluttered a moment before crimson eyes were revealed themselves clouded with sleep. The pale man blinked before sitting upright. His voice was slow, but precise, "What time is it?"

"Almost noon."

His head snapped up with shock clearly written on his face. His mouth open to speak, but closed without saying anything. You did suffer strong injuries. You needed the rest. You're talking now. ...Vincent. I can't explain everything right now, but...it is. Argh. Let's just call it a temporary truce. I won't bug you on Hoj-er Sephiroth and you don't pester me about Viridis. Deal? … …For now I guess it is a deal. I do wish for you to explain, but I'm willing to wait for it. But do try to explain sooner rather then later. I will.

Luckily the internal conservation ended swiftly as Sephiroth stated, "You should eat, but I think those bandages should be changed first."

The Turk glanced at his exposed chest. "It's fine," he murmured.

A mix of irritation and anger laced the general's voice as his face stayed neutral, "You really shouldn't start that up again."

Vincent sighed audibly as he reluctantly nod his consent. Sephiroth began to get to work on unraveling the bandages slowly. It didn't have as much blood as he expected. As he removed the last bit , he inspected the wound. It was significantly better. He bet the wounds would be a mere scar now if the gunman took the mako solution. He quickly rebandaged the wound. He repeated the process on the pale arm finding no sign of a wound; he bounded it anyways just in case. Once done, Sephiroth presented the Turk his briefcase that was left at camp before the assault on the base. Vincent swiftly grabbed a button up shirt and pulled it on before the general could help with it. The swordsman did manage to help with the buttoning of the shirt. The Turk didn't comment about it.

The gunman got up to the door swiftly and glanced back the general without saying a word. His expression asked 'Are you coming or not?' Sephiroth joined the Turk and led the way to the cafeteria. The general kept on glancing back at him like he expected Vincent to collapse or something. It was irritating the pale man. They reached the cafeteria without an incident. His body was recovering swiftly though it did ached a bit, but it didn't really bother or concern him.